Raleigh, NC, October 09, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Mims Distributing Company, a wholesale beverage distributor in North Carolina, has announced that it is adding wine to its portfolio and expanding its distribution reach to include all of North Carolina. The company will grow its distribution area from its current nine counties to the entire state for its wine division and select craft beers.

From the mid 1970s until 2000, Mims Distributing had one of the most prominent wine companies in its current nine county footprint. The company’s owners have always maintained a passion for great wine, and they are excited to reengage in the wine business. Respected industry authorities Michael Gunnells and David Furr have joined the team as the vice president of sales and director of sales and marketing respectively to head the wine division. Gunnells previously worked with the Mims wine team for three years prior to rejoining this year. Both men have a combined 35 years of experience in the industry. Aligning with Mims Distributing’s values and reputation, Gunnells and Furr are developing meaningful partnerships with wineries from around the world.

The move into wine distribution by Mims Distributing comes at a time of strong and continuous growth for America’s wine industry. The Wine Institute has noted that the United States has been the largest wine consuming nation in the world since 2010, with residents individually consuming a total of 2.82 gallons a year in 2013. Wine shipments within the United States from California alone were 215 million cases in 2013, up 3 percent from the previous year, with an estimated retail value of $23.1 billion, up 5 percent. All American regions produce wine, however 95 percent comes from four regions with California as the most prolific producer, followed by Washington, Oregon and New York. North Carolina also has a thriving wine industry with over 100 wineries in many areas, including Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek and Haw River Valley.

With the expansion and growth of the company, Mims Distributing’s sales team will offer retailers an excellent portfolio of products and the great service level it is known for in its home market. For more information, visit Mims Distributing’s website at http://mimsdistributing.com.

Quotes:“This is an exciting time for our company and we look forward to providing specialty wines and beers across the state,” said Chip Mims, CEO. “We have a passion for selling incredible beers, and we never lost our love for great wines. The wineries we seek will dovetail perfectly with the breweries we represent, run by people who love what they create and who need partners committed to bringing their passion to wine and beer lovers. We’ve brought on the best guys in the business to help us and we are excited to start the next chapter of Mims Distributing.”

“This is the perfect time for us to embark on the next step for Mims,” said Gunnells. “I am beyond excited to rejoin friends and sell wine in North Carolina. David and I look forward to using our career experiences to bring wine back to Mims and to the many great customers we know across the state.”

About Mims Distributing Company:Mims Distributing Company, established in 1964 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a family-owned beer and wine distributor servicing the entire state of North Carolina. The company offers the MillerCoors brands that domestic beer fans enjoy, and maintains extensive knowledge of what’s brewing in the craft beer industry. These expert brew sellers also share their passion for excellent beers on Tales from the Cask, a popular award-winning craft beer podcast covering everything from locally grown hops to seasonal ales and beyond. A proponent of the Triangle’s craft beer explosion, Mims Distributing offers favorites from AleSmith Brewing Company, Anchor Brewing, Carolina Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada Brewing, to name a few. Mims Distributing also recently reentered the wine distribution business. In addition to believing in the delicious beers and wines they sell, Mims Distributing is committed to supporting the local community, donating more than $60,000 in financial and in-kind donations to area nonprofits each year. A family-friendly company, Mims Distributing was the recipient of the 2013 and 2014 Carolina Parent Family-Friendly 50 award. Mims Distributing is also dedicated to sustainability as a way of life, and in 2013 was recognized with a Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women (TCREW) Champion Award in the Green and Sustainability category, as well as named a top three “green” Triangle business by Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. As always, Mims Distributing advocates for drinking in moderation. For more information, visit http://www.mimsdistributing.com.